What Jim DeMint figured out — In today's Republican universe, there's less of a relationship than ever between holding office and holding power — It says something about the state of the conservative movement and the Republican Party that Jim DeMint's power won't wane at all - and …

Unemployment rate falls to lowest level since 2008 — Modest hiring continued in November and the unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in nearly four years, according to a report released Friday. — The U.S. economy added 146,000 jobs in November, and the unemployment rate fell …

At Boehner's Request, He and Obama Negotiate Alone — WASHINGTON — At House Speaker John A. Boehner's request, Senate leaders and Representative Nancy Pelosi have been excluded from talks to avert a fiscal crisis, leaving it to Mr. Boehner and President Obama alone to find a deal, Congressional aides say.

History Favors a 2014 GOP Comeback — It's hard to pick up any publication or watch any television program oriented toward politics and not be reminded of the problems facing the Republican Party. Republicans have now lost the popular vote for president in five of the past six presidential elections.

The Republican crisis — Party of ‘eat your veggies’ — If you want to know why Republicans and conservatives are in a political crisis, you need only consider the fact that the Right's deeply held view now boils down to this: Taxes should not go up on the wealthy, and your health benefits should be cut.

A Newly Preposterous Low for McConnell (and the Filibuster) — My admiration for the Senate's minority leader, the Hon. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, is limited. But his latest move took even me by surprise. — In a tactic he thought would put the Obama Administration in an uncomfortable position …

Right-to-work bills pass in Lansing — Lansing — The birthplace of the nation's modern-day labor movement moved closer to becoming the nation's 24th right-to-work state after bills Gov. Rick Snyder vowed to sign into law passed their first hurdles in the Republican-controlled Legislature on Thursday.

Why People Are Confused About the Fiscal Cliff — Dean Baker catches the Washington Post running a Q&A under this banner: — OK, if there's one thing the fiscal cliff confrontation isn't, it's a “debt crisis”. The problem — a political standoff that may lead to damaging austerity …

The Baby Boom Bump — CONVENTIONAL wisdom calls the 2012 presidential race the “demographic election,” attributing President Obama's victory in large part to his commanding advantage among rapidly growing groups like Latinos and millennials. — But if demographics is destiny in politics, it is even more true for policy.

Google Nearer to Selling Motorola Set-Top Line — Google Inc. is wrapping up an auction of Motorola's set-top box business, according to people involved in the deal, as it continues downsizing the hardware unit. — The Mountain View, Calif., company had set a deadline of Friday for the last round of bids …

‘Worn out’ Frank ready to hit the lecture circuit — WASHINGTON — His nameplate has been unscrewed from the wall outside his office, a new state flag already planted in the hallway. The lease on his Capitol Hill apartment has expired, forcing him to crash at a fellow lawmaker's.

The Fantasy of a 91% Top Income Tax Rate — A liberal article of faith that confiscatory taxes fed the postwar boom turns out to be an Edsel of an economic idea. — Democratic Party leaders, President Obama in particular, are forever telling the country that wealthy Americans are taxed at too low a rate and pay too little in taxes.

Syria's Chemical Weapons Moves Lead U.S. to Be Flexible — WASHINGTON — When President Obama first warned Syria's leader, President Bashar al-Assad, that even making moves toward using chemical weapons would cross a “red line” that might force the United States to drop its reluctance …

Chris Christie nixes state-run insurance exchange — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie rejected a state-run health insurance exchange Thursday, paving the way for the federal government to step in and run one. — Christie — who was in Washington on Thursday pushing for Hurricane Sandy aid …

Clinton vows to thwart new Soviet Union — The US is trying to prevent Russia from recreating a new version of the Soviet Union under the ruse of economic integration, Hillary Clinton warned on Thursday. — “There is a move to re-Sovietise the region,” the US secretary of state told …

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